# data[].attributes.headline
Introduction to Women's Role in Religion

# data[].attributes.subject
Introduction to Women's Role in Religion

# data[].attributes.body
Some religions give more freedom to women than others. They offer women positions of power and scriptural equality with men. Most religions elevate the status of men over women, have stricter sanctions against women, and require them to be submissive however, some give women more rights than men.

# data[].attributes.headline
3 Most practiced religions around the world

# data[].attributes.subject
3 Most practiced religions around the world

# data[].attributes.body
1. Christianity
2. Islam
3. Hinduism

# data[].attributes.body
Even though, many Muslim women complain that Islam has not given them as much freedom as men and women in Islam are thought to be degraded and oppressed, Islam has given more rights and freedom to women as compared to men. In the holy book of Quraan, It is mentioned that "“And for women are rights over men, similar to those of men over women.”Qur’an 2:228".

# data[].attributes.body
Khadijah was the Daughter of Khuwaylid and  Wife of Prophet Muhammad.

She was the first woman to accept Islam and the first person to support Prophet Muhammad when he got to know that he is the messenger of Allah (God).
Nobody believed him except a few..Khadijah was one of them.
She was a successful and esteemed business-woman and was 15 years older than Prophet Muhammad.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
I often get into debates with people about women in Islam. How we dress. How we don't dress. What we think or don't think or should be thinking.

I also get into debates about feminism. What it is and what it isn't. I think I've spawned permanent foes because I don't care to apply the label, feminist, to describe myself. (I'm not one for labels, sorry. But if it's even required of me, "Muslim woman" suits me just fine.)

But if we could agree for a moment that there exists a pure definition of the word feminist - to mean awesomely fierce to the millionth degree - then I'd like to introduce you to Islam's first feminist: Khadija bint Khuwaylid.

Khadija was the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). And she is one of the people I think about when I face or debate issues surrounding women today. Khadija's existence precedes mine by more than 1,400 years. But if I can, at the very least, continuously strive to emulate her character, I will consider myself a success in life.

Seven things you might not know about the awesomely fierce Khadija (may God be pleased with her):
1) She was a successful and esteemed business-woman.
I would give anything to do an on-the-job ride-along with Khadija. Gladly swipe my car for a camel; my laptop for a government-issued glass weight to measure goods in trade. What could I learn in one day of shadowing this highly-respected business leader - trading furniture, pottery and silks?

Khadija was born to a father who was a successful merchant in their Quraysh tribe of Mecca. She inherited her father's skills at a time in history when society was male-dominated and dangerous. Upon her father's death, she took over the business and traded goods through the primary commerce centers at that time - from Mecca to Syria and to Yemen - hiring the most trustworthy men of character to brave the dangerous trade routes.

Her business was larger than all of the Quraysh trades combined, and it was the most acclaimed with a reputation of fair-dealing and high-quality goods.

She had a keen eye and was highly intuitive, earning the monikers, Ameerat-Quraysh ("Princess of Quraysh") and al-Tahira ("The Pure One") due to her stellar reputation. Khadija knew what she was doing business-wise, never compromising her modesty or integrity to succeed in the male-dominated trades - hiring only those that could meet these standards.

Glass ceiling? Hah! 1,400 years ago, yes, Khadija shattered it.
2) She turned down many marriage proposals.
Being the most successful woman around, rich in worldly attainment as well as character, it seems Khadija faced a consistent campaign of men seeking her hand in marriage. She was married twice before her wedlock to the Prophet. Both of these marriages produced children and both left her widowed. Her keen sense of character left her picky; and she was less than eager to suffer another painful loss of a husband. She resigned herself to being a widowed woman, taking care of herself and her family.
3) She asked the Prophet to marry her.
Love comes when you are not looking, or so I have heard (and experienced). Khadija learned of the stellar character of Muhammad, as well as his experience managing caravans on the trade routes accompanying his uncle, Abu Talib. She hired him into her conglomerate.

Marriages at this time were typically necessary for survival and not always about love as we know it in today's world. But Khadija didn't need a husband to take care of her financially. And Muhammad did not have the means to seek a wife.

She fell in love with him, and through a friend, she asked him to marry her. He said yes.
4) She was 15 years older than Muhammad.
If Khadija's story hasn't broken stereotypes about Islam yet, it might intrigue you to know that she was 40 years old when she married Muhammad. He was 25.
5) She was an ideal wife; theirs was a true love story.
"Your wives are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them" (Quran 2: 187).

Taking multiple wives was a common practice, yet Khadija and Muhammad's marriage was monogamous until her death 25 years later.

Muhammad's prophethood began during his marriage to Khadija, when he received the first of God's revelations through the Angel Gabriel that left him frightened, strained and feeling alone when no one believed in him. Khadija comforted her husband and encouraged him during the most difficult days of his life. She bore him six children. He loved no one more than Khadija during his lifetime.
6) She was the first Muslim.
Khadija, the mother of Islam, was the first person on earth to accept Muhammad as the final prophet of God and accept the revelations that culminated into the Holy Quran. She was greeted with " salam " (peace) by God himself as well as the Angel Gabriel. She bequeathed her worldly goods and put herself in the face of danger to stand by the Prophet Muhammad as Islam became established in the land.
7) She spent her worldly riches on the poor.
In Islam, whether rich or poor, one's financial condition is a test. Khadija gave her earnings to the poor and to the orphans, to the widows and the sick. She helped poor girls get married and provided their dowry.

Khadija was one of history's most remarkable women. Prophet Muhammad once said that the four greatest women of mankind were: Khadija bint Khuwaylid, Fatima bint Muhammad (his youngest daughter,) Mary bint Emran (the Virgin Mary) and Asiya bint Muzahim (the wife of Pharaoh.) Khadija continues to inspire people to this day who revere her for taking great care of the Prophet of Islam and for showing the world, through her behavior, what a pious, modest and courageous woman can accomplish. The example she left for mankind remains timeless.
*[This article was originally published by The Huffington Post.] The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Fair Observer's editorial policy. Photo Credit: Annuk / Zurijeta / Shutterstock.com We bring you perspectives from around the world. Help us to inform and educate. Your donation is tax-deductible. Join over 400 people to become a donor or you could choose to be a sponsor.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
7 Remarkable Things About Khadija, Wife of Prophet Muhammad

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I often get into debates with people about women in Islam. How we dress. How we don't dress. What we think or don't think or should be thinking. I also get into debates about feminism. What it is and what it isn't.

# data[].attributes.body
Men and Women in Islam are given:
1. Equal Reward & Equal Accountability
2. Equal Right to Knowledge
3. Equal Right to Choose a Spouse
4. Freedom of speech

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Powerful women of Hindu mythology | EPIFIED

# data[].attributes.body
In the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches, only men are allowed to  serve as priests or deacons; only males can participate in senior leadership positions like  pope, patriarch and bishop. Women may serve as an abbess.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What are the specific roles for men and women given by God? Who was told to be leaders, and who wasn't?

# data[].attributes.body
The role of Mary, the mother of Jesus in His ministry was that she was part of those who Jesus came to "seek and to save" . Mary herself recognized her own need of a Savior. "And Mary said: 'My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior"
Mary was the bearer of the humanity of our LORD Jesus Christ, but she had no part in His ministry other than that of an observer and a follower.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
QUESTION: What was the role of Mary the mother of Jesus in His ministry?

ANSWER:

The role of Mary, the mother of Jesus in His ministry was that she was part of those who Jesus came to "seek and to save" (Luke 19:10). Mary herself recognized her own need of a Savior. "And Mary said: 'My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47).

Therefore, Mary was the bearer of the humanity of our LORD Jesus Christ, but she had no part in His ministry other than that of an observer and a follower.

There is an incident at the beginning of Jesus' public ministry that sheds light upon the role of Mary the mother of Jesus in His ministry. The only place we read about this incident is in the gospel of John. The context is at a marriage celebration in Cana. This marriage could have been of relatives or perhaps friends of the family:

"On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, 'They have no more wine.' 'Dear woman, why do you involve me?' Jesus replied. 'My time has not yet come.' His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you'" (John 2:1-5).

Notice in this passage of John that Jesus was not taking instructions or directions from His mother. In fact, Jesus is withdrawing Himself from her authority. Jesus knew what His mission was and whom it was that was leading and guiding Him. The miracle itself served to draw others to follow Jesus (John 2:11).

At a public gathering when Mary desires to speak to Jesus, He seems to refuse to admit any authority on the part of His mother or relatives or any privilege because of their physical relationship to Him. "While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, 'Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.' He replied to him, 'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?' Pointing to his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother'" (Matthew 12:46-50).

This mention of Mary is only one of four following the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and none of them refer to Mary's involvement in the "work" that Jesus did.

All through His public ministry Jesus relied upon the Father for guidance and for strength and said, "By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me" (John 5:30).

"So Jesus said, 'When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am [the one I claim to be] and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me'" (John 8:28). Therefore, Jesus' ministry was totally in the Father's hand and will and no one, including Mary the mother of Jesus, had any role in His ministry other than one of His followers.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

- We have all sinned and deserve God's judgment. God, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him. Jesus, the creator and eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He died for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was buried, and rose from the dead according to the Bible. If you truly believe and trust this in your heart, receiving Jesus alone as your Savior, declaring, " Jesus is Lord," you will be saved from judgment and spend eternity with God in heaven.

What is your response?

Yes, today I am deciding to follow Jesus

Yes, I am already a follower of Jesus

I still have questions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
QUESTION: What was the role of Mary the mother of Jesus in His ministry? ANSWER: The role of Mary, the mother of Jesus in His ministry was that she was part of those who Jesus came to "seek and to save" (Luke 19:10). Mary herself recognized her own need of a Savior.

# data[].attributes.body
According to Hinduism, the female was created by Brahman as part of the duality in creation, to provide company to men and facilitate procreation, progeny and continuation of family lineage.
Hindus worship many female deities, as aspects of Mother Goddess and consorts of male gods.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What tradition has to say about the status of women in Hinduism. The problems and challenges faced by modern Hindu women

# data[].attributes.body
Kunti – The mother of the five Pandava princes. Her devotion to Lord Krishna never faltered even in great adversity. She is one of the "five virtuous women." The others are Draupadi (see below), Mandodari (the wife of Ravana), Ahalya (wife of the sage Gautama), and Tara (the wife of Vali, the monkey king killed by Rama).

Draupadi – The wife of all five Pandavas. She was insulted in the royal court and, as a result, millions of warriors perished on the plains of Kurukshetra. A chaste yet powerfully assertive woman, she displayed both fiery anger and remarkable compassion.

Damayanti – Wife of Nala.Together they demonstrated unflinching devotion to each other.

Savitri – By her selfless devotion she saved her husband from the court of Yama, the Lord of Death.